If a snapshot of such a longitudinal wave could be taken so as to freeze the shape of the slinky in time, then it would look like the following diagram.
the zone where the particles are compressed is known as "compression".
the zone where the particles are far apart is known as "rarefaction"
Some wave terminalogy:
1. Compression
the center of a compression zone has the maximum density.
the compression zone is an area of high pressure.
2. Rarefaction
the center of a compression zone has the maximum density.
the compression zone is an area of high pressure.
external image longitudinal_wave.jpg
3. Wavelength
the distance between two sucessive points in phase (wavelength).
for example, the distance between the center of two successive compression is a wavelength.
also, the distance between the center of two successive rarefaction is a wavelength.
4. Amplitude
the maximum displacement of a particle from its rest position.
Anatomy of a Longitudinal Wave
If a snapshot of such a longitudinal wave could be taken so as to freeze the shape of the slinky in time, then it would look like the following diagram.
Some wave terminalogy:
1. Compression2. Rarefaction
3. Wavelength
4. Amplitude
Click here to see animation
In summary:
Watch this videohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLAB-d8VnZ8